Button Quail Sex and Features

[JM25]

I have had 9 buttons over the past few years, and this one looks different from the others. It has much bigger eyes and a thin head with spikey feathers on top. It almost has an owl type look in the face.

Any idea if it is male or female? I thought it was a male because of the bib. It makes no noise at all and lays no eggs. It doesn’t attempt to mate. It sits away from all the others who like to snuggle together, but they all get along. It is definitely button size. It just acts different than the others too. Any ideas??

I tried to get pictures to show the coloring and vent feathers. He/she was just eating grapes and has some on the beak but hopefully the pictures help identify his/her sex and color!

 

[Welshies]

How old is it? If 8 weeks, gently squeeze the vent. Males will produce a white, shaving cream like liquid.

 

[007Sean]

Not real sure but looks like "wild type" to me, I'll call in the expert,@JaeG
From the pics I can't tell male or female? You can vent sex him/her and find out.

 

[JM25]

Not real sure but looks like "wild type" to me, I'll call in the expert,@JaeG

Interesting! Okay, thank you!!

 

[JaeG]

I'm not much of an expert in Buttons as we have a lot less colour mutations here in New Zealand. And I know the colours can get confusing when there are combined mutation. So I'm calling @DK newbie

How old is it? It does have gorgeous, big eyes.

 

[JM25]

Thank you for your help! I think it is about 7 weeks.

 

[007Sean]

I'm not much of an expert in Buttons as we have a lot less colour mutations here in New Zealand. And I know the colours can get confusing when there are combined mutation. So I'm calling @DK newbie

How old is it? It does have gorgeous, big eyes.

Yeah, I'm kinda confused by it's coloration. It sorta has wild type, pied, tuxedo all mixed in? Kinda a neat looking bird!

 

[DK newbie]

Well.. That first picture seems to remind me of something. I think it has an infection in the head, causing the top of the head to swell, making the owl look and the spikey feathers, and drawing the skin back from the eyes making them look bigger. I could be wrong, but it also fits the description of it behaving slightly different.
It could be as simple as a head boink that drew fluid to the head that'll disappear on its own, or it could be pretty serious. The one it reminded me of had a sinus infection as I recall - it was a thread in this forum - and the owner cut the swelling open and drew out a blot of pus..
With regards to color and sex.. I think it's female, but try to add more light when taking pictures, that'll make the colors more clear. Not sure it'll help with the mutation though. Apart from it not being a regular wild type, I'm lost as well ^^

 

[JM25]

Well.. That first picture seems to remind me of something. I think it has an infection in the head, causing the top of the head to swell, making the owl look and the spikey feathers, and drawing the skin back from the eyes making them look bigger. I could be wrong, but it also fits the description of it behaving slightly different.
It could be as simple as a head boink that drew fluid to the head that'll disappear on its own, or it could be pretty serious. The one it reminded me of had a sinus infection as I recall - it was a thread in this forum - and the owner cut the swelling open and drew out a blot of pus..
With regards to color and sex.. I think it's female, but try to add more light when taking pictures, that'll make the colors more clear. Not sure it'll help with the mutation though. Apart from it not being a regular wild type, I'm lost as well ^^

Thank you for the feedback! I will try to get better pictures. I am glad to know I am not the only one stumped by this little guy/gal!

 

[JM25]

Well.. That first picture seems to remind me of something. I think it has an infection in the head, causing the top of the head to swell, making the owl look and the spikey feathers, and drawing the skin back from the eyes making them look bigger. I could be wrong, but it also fits the description of it behaving slightly different.
It could be as simple as a head boink that drew fluid to the head that'll disappear on its own, or it could be pretty serious. The one it reminded me of had a sinus infection as I recall - it was a thread in this forum - and the owner cut the swelling open and drew out a blot of pus..
With regards to color and sex.. I think it's female, but try to add more light when taking pictures, that'll make the colors more clear. Not sure it'll help with the mutation though. Apart from it not being a regular wild type, I'm lost as well ^^

Tried taking some more pictures!